In case you haven’t heard, The World’s 50 Best Restaurants will be announced in Singapore this month, making this the first city in Asia to ever host the prestigious awards. We’re not really surprised considering Singapore has one of the most dynamic dining scenes on the planet. New restaurants open every month, adding to the ever-evolving culinary landscape, and we’re always on the lookout for soon-to-be stars. If you’re looking for somewhere new to nosh this June, these are our picks for the best new restaurants and bars in Singapore that we’re sure are going to become fast favourites with foodies.
Restaurants
If you’re a fan of the authentic Japanese yakitori bites at Bincho, then you’ll be happy to know that they’ve opened a second location in Dempsey. Tucked away behind Cantonese restaurant Min Jiang, the new spot is entered via a secret door with frosted glass panels and boasts just 40 seats in a cosy space. The menu has many of the same smoky grilled offerings as the flagship along with some new seasonal dishes that you can only get there.
Bincho at Min Jiang, 7A/B Dempsey Road, Singapore 249684. p. +65 6972 7328. Open Tues – Sun 6pm – 12am, Sat – Sun 12pm – 3pm
BurgerLabo
Brought to us by the same folks behind The Naked Finn, BurgerLabo is all about meaty goodness that you can eat with your hands. It took Ken Loon 12 tries to get the Basic Burger (BB) just right, but the end result is a juicy patty made with Black Angus beef neck, Japanese ribeye, wagyu A4 tenderloin and A5 brisket. If you’re not in the mood for beef, try the chicken burger topped with a free-range egg, house-made garlic yoghurt sauce and “Frenchie” salsa.
BurgerLabo, Block 41 Malan Road, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 109454. p. +65 6694 0940. Open Tues – Thurs 5pm – 11pm, Sat & eve of PH 5pm – 2am
L’Entrecote Customs House
L’Entrecote is one of our go-to spots when we’re craving a good steak, so we were stoked to hear that they opened a new location in the scenic environs of the Customs House on the waterfront. For those who have never been to L’Entrecote, the specialty is the French-style steak grilled to perfection, doused in a luscious sauce and served with crispy golden fries and a fresh salad with walnuts and a mustard dressing.
L’Entrecote Customs House, 70 Collyer Quay, Customs House #01-01, Singapore 049323. p. +65 6690 7565. Open Sun – Fri 12pm – 3pm, mon – Thurs 6pm – 10:30pm, Fri 6pm – 11pm, Sat 5:30pm – 11pm, Sun 5:30pm – 10pm
Noka
Cynthia Chua of the Spa Esprit Group is opening her first Japanese restaurant on June 28 and it’s already making waves for its enticing farm-to-table concept. Located on the rooftop of the newly revamped Funan Mall, Noka (by Open Farm Community) sits next to a 5,000 square foot urban garden that will supply the restaurant with fresh, picked-that-day produce. Expect vibrant homestyle Japanese dishes by chef Seki Takuma.
Noka, 109 North Bridge Road, Funan Mall, Singapore 179097
SweetSpot
SweetSpot is the new flagship eatery at the ArtScience Museum and it offers up wholesome eats like nutritious smoothies and fresh salads. You can choose from one of their signature bowls like the avocado and heirloom tomato or wild mushroom salad, or build your own healthy creation with over 30 ingredients to choose from. They also offer light bites like tarts and cakes and artisan coffee.
SweetSpot, 6 Bayfront Avenue, ArtScience Museum lobby, Singapore 018974. p. +65 6688 5555. Open daily 10am – 7pm
TXA Pintxo Bar
Singapore’s first pintxo bar opens up at Alkaff mansion. Pintxos are from the Basque region in Spain and refer to small bites served on a stick. Find a variety of these delicious bites at this new spot in town alongside some great cocktails.
TXA Pintxo Bar, 10 Telok Blangah Green, S 109178, +65 6773 0770
Whitegrass
Once a Michelin-starred Australian fine dining spot, Whitegrass has recently reopened at Chijmes with a new chef at the helm and a whole new concept. Japanese chef Takuya Yamashita has developed an enticing modern menu that features classic French dishes inspired with interesting Japanese twists. Think oysters with granny smith apple and sea jelly and Murata Gyu beef with cherry and endive.
Whitegrass, 30 Victoria Street, CHIJIMES #01-26/27, Singapore 187996. p. +65 6837 0402. Open Tues – Sat 6pm – 9pm
Bars:
Avenue
Located on the ground floor of the same complex as Marquee, Avenue has a real speakeasy style vibe with swanky leather couches, parquet floors and various rooms boasting a mini bowling alley, vintage pinball machines and a karaoke machine. Bespoke cocktails are on offer from the bar and a rotating crew of local and international DJs lay down everything from hip hop to R&B and house beats.
Avenue, 10 Bayfront Avenue, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands #B1-67 Galleria level, Singapore 018956. p. +65 6688 8680. Open Wed – Thurs 7pm – 3am, Fri 7pm – 5am, Sat 10pm – 5am
Heart of Darkness
Coming to us by way of Vietnam, Heart of Darkness is the latest craft brewery to hit Singapore and beer lovers are already flocking to the bar to sample the excellent brews. The brewers are constantly trying out different styles of beer, so you’ll find plenty of variety on the taps including pilsners, porters and IPAs. They also have a guest tap programme so you can try brews from far-flung locales like New Zealand, France and Japan.
Heart of Darkness, 55 Tras Street, Singapore 078994. p. +65 6208 7940. Open daily 11am -12am
Maduro
Dempsey Hill has a new drinking den and it’s a pretty groovy spot to chill out over tipples and jazzy tunes. Located on top of French restaurant Atout, Maduro is decked out like a good friend’s living room with comfy armchairs and sofas and colourful art displayed on the walls. Settle into a softly lit corner and take performances by live bands as you sip on single malts or classic cocktails.
Maduro, 40C Harding Road, Singapore 249548. p. +65 6950 5855. Open Mon – Thurs 2pm – 1am, Fri – Sat 2pm – 2am
Taki Taki
Keong Saik has a brand new Tiki bar! Enjoy your favourite rum concoctions and more at the latest spot to hit the block. Taki taki means to lift up / cheers in tahitian so plan to head on down and do just that. Doors open from 4pm onwards.
Taki Taki, 1 Keong Saik Road, The Working Capitol, #02-02, 089109
